The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1887-05-06
,llows: 1--WE. the MARYLAND State

OlUWo w, VIZ ANSi '"ASA NS~S~
Alliance, in fourteenth
annual convention assembled, con-
our fellows-laborers in the
reform upon the results
accomplished and the growth OF tenn
perance reform upon the results ac-
and the growth Of tenn
perasce sentiment every where dur
ing the past year We evoutly thank
the All wise God, who has SO signal
ly crowned with His approval our CT
forts in behalf of morality, good gov
eminent and the uplifting of the hu-
man race. The great and steady
progress of our reform has thorough
ly justified the policy inaugurated in
the last convention, and encourages
us to continue in the work to secure
state constitutional prohibition of
the traffic in alcoholic beverages. We
therefore reaffirm our positions as
follows: The traffic in alcoholic bev.
erages is dishonor to Christian CIV
ilization, inimical to the best inter-
ests of society; political wrong of
unequaled enormity, rebelling against
restraint and defying regulation.
What is morally wrong and socially
injurious should not be sanctioned
either by a high or low license
Therefore the interests of state and
nation demand the absolute prohibi
ton by constitutional provision, pen
al statutes and enforcing authorities
of the manufacture, importation and
sale of alcoholic beverages The
issuing by the general government OF
liquor licenses or special tax receipts
In prohibition states and local option
counties throws the moral influence
of the federal power to tue side of the
liquor traffic. and is serious hind
rance to educational temperance
work. The government. whose in
fluence should he on the side of the
conscience and the integrity of the
country, cannot plead legal right
IN justification of moral wrong.
While the prohibition of the liquor
traffic does not conflict with other
questions that concern the welfare o.
,he state, it overshadows them all in
the magnitude of the results which
will follow it's settlement, and nc
question of more vital importance
can be considered by the constiLu-
tional convention soon to assemble
In Maryland Therefore, in the in
terests of the state we demand that g
prohibitory clause be incorporated in
the organic law to be submitted to
the voters of the state by that body
In order to achieve success in the
great work of securing constitutions
prohibition it is essential that all Our
forces be united. This Alliance being
non sectarian and non partisan, and
representing as it does all classes OF
temperance people. urges that in the
great struggle that is impending in
this state all citizens OF every party
should unite in earnest and persistent
effort to secure it. We therefore ap
peal to the patriotism, to the intel
,igence and to :he conscience Of the
people, and ask that, without regard
t. party. race or creed, they cunse-
crate their energies to the accomplish
men, of the beneficient reform. But
abor and capital should unite In this
movement against baleful liquor
traffic. inasmuch as it is The robber OF
wages and profits, the fomentor of
discomfort and strife, and the de-
,troyer of their mutual prosperity.
No other legislation would so health
ily stimulate the consumption which
necessitates production, increase the
demand for industrial products, and
insure so much of comfort to labor
and capital as would the prohibition
OF the traffic in alcoholic beverages.
We crava also the co operation of
the pulpit, the bar and the press in
this effort to overthrow the greatest
enemy of Christ's kingdom on earth.
the destroyer of public peace and
private security, and the foe of the
common veal. Recognizing and
gratefully appreciating the efficient
co operation of the Woman's Chris
tian Temperance Uuion and other
organizations in sympathy and affilla'
ton with our work, we earnestly in
woke their continued CO operation
and support. We heartily commend.
also, the work done by county and
local societies auxiliary to the State
Alliance, and urge the immediate or
ganization in other localities OF con-
stitutional amendment associations
for enumeration in our work"